Day:  60-degrees  /  Night:  34-degrees
A beautiful, sunny morning here in the Carondelet Garden.  The Hostas are dormant but if you look really closely underneath you can see just a touch of life beginning.  The spring-like temperatures this week are so welcome but I'm afraid spring fever is kicking in hard for me!  I'm excited because I'm starting seedlings tomorrow.  I promised I would wait until March 1st this year.  It's killing me to wait but patience is a virtue!

Partly sunny skies today with winds out of the SW at 5 to 10 MPH.  There is still ice in the back where the sun only hits very early in the morning.  That should be gone by today.  Seedlings, turning over the winter cover crops, and a little cleanup in the garden this week.  This is one happy Carondelet Gardener!  Be kind to yourself today.  You deserve it.  Have a great day Gardening Friends!

Day:   49-degrees  /  Night:  26-degrees
The great melt has begun.  We can even see some of the decorative bricks again.  Spring-like temperatures are coming this week and seedlings will be planted in the basement under grow lights.  This will be my first attempt at seedlings.  Send any and all positive energies toward Carondelet.  I'll need them.  I'm excited to try something new in the garden this year.  

We can expect abundant sunshine around the Carondelet Garden today.  The melt has begun, and we may even see all of the garden after today.  Winds are out of the WNW at 5 to 10 MPH.  Today we meet our new little great-niece for the very first time.  New life brings new hope.  We need hope in these troubled times around the world.  Keep the faith, kindle the hope and share some love.  Be kind to yourself today.  Have a wonderful day my gardening friends!

Day:  36-degrees  /  Night:  23-degrees
It's still a bit cold and frozen in the Carondelet Garden.  Saint Francis is shivering a bit in those sandals.  But the sun is shining, and you can feel the change in the air.  I can almost smell Spring!  At the very least some warmer temperatures.  So excited to being seedlings next week.  I'm also hoping the raised beds will thaw enough that I can turn over the winter manure again.  Happy to be getting back into the soil!

Lots of sunshine tine.  Light and variable winds.  It's going to be a beautiful day here in south St. Louis!  Enjoy the sunshine.  Be kind to yourself and those you may meet on your journey.  Have a great day Gardening Friends!

Day:  33-degrees  /  Night:  19-degrees
Every time the ground just starts to thaw enough to start turning over for spring planting, we receive another blast of frigid air.  Spring is coming but not today.  So, we wait.  The snow is hanging around for the morning, but the skies will become partly cloudy later.  Winds out of the NNW at 5 to 10 MPH.  

Take it easy out there today.  It's still pretty slippery and the side streets are treacherous.  Be kind to yourself.  Share a little faith, have a little hope, spread a little love.  It is almost the weekend!  Have a great day Gardening Friends!

Day:  31-degrees  /  Night:  21-degrees
It's Winter Storm Warning Thursday once again!  In the immortal words of Yogi Berra, "it's like deja vu all over again!"  It is pretty.  I can say that from the comfort of my home with the fireplace roaring and a hot cup of coffee in my hand.  Be careful if you must go out into this mess today!  Freezing Rain and Sleet are no joke when you are driving.

It's a total mixed bag of weather today.  Freezing Rain, Sleet, Snow, who knows?  Maybe hail, fire and brimstone before it's all over.  Welcome to St. Louis!  The winds are out of the NNE at 5 to 10 MPH.  It's just beginning to start again so please be kind to yourself and those you may meet.  Have a great day Gardening Friends!

Day:  27-degrees  /  Night:  24-degrees
It feels like the movie Groundhog Day here in the Carondelet Garden.  Except we are reliving the same week over and over.  Another Wednesday, another Winter Storm Warning.  It's cold outside, the snow is coming, and the coffee is brewing.  We are probably going to hunker in and clean the house today.  We are an exciting super cool old couple!

Lots of clouds hanging around with snow coming later today.  The winds are out of the North at 10 to 15 MPH.  Take it easy today if you have to be out and about.  Be kind to yourself and those around you.  Your reward is in heaven, but you don't need to be in a hurry to get there.  Have a great day gardening friends!

Day:  60-degrees  /  Night:  18-degrees
It's a cloudy morning here in the Carondelet Garden.  Rain has fallen and the winds are starting to pick up bringing with it the cold front that will usher in yet another round of winter precipitation.  It's that time of year.  Nothing too surprise other than it seems to only hit on Thursdays!  

It's a special date: 2/22/22.  Fun and interesting as the rest of the month's dates are also palindromes.  It's a quiet morning.  Coffee is brewing.  Music on the stereo.  Papers drying out a bit. Getting ready to take the Doodle Dog for her morning constitutional and then lunch with an old friend and we celebrate the birthday of our favorite chosen son today.  It's a good day.  Be kind to yourself and those you meet.  Enjoy the calm before the storm.  Happy Twosday Gardening Friends!

Day:  64-degrees  /  Night:  51-degrees
Yesterday was absolutely stunning!  Today looks to be a beauty as well.  Have to admit there will be little gardening done today as the family is off for the holiday and I get to play golf with the 15-year-old.  Yes, he kicks my butt at golf, but I wouldn't trade those hours outside in the sunshine on the greens with that young man for anything.  

The skies are sunny this morning in Carondelet and the weather gods say it will become overcast this afternoon.  Winds out of the South at 10 to 20 MPH.   There is a slight chance for shower this afternoon but I'm only mentioning it because if I don't it will happen and now that I have, it won't!  Here's hoping you get to go out and spend time with someone you love today.  Be kind to yourself and happy Presidents' Day!

Day:  61-degrees  /  Night:  41-degrees
The grass is hanging in there but looking a bit rough after the ups and downs of this winter season.  We should be getting a bit of a break today with some extremely mild February temperatures but, in true Saint Louis fashion, the cold and snow should return before the end of the week.  If you don't like the weather, stick around, it'll change!

Sunny skies in the Carondelet Garden this afternoon with winds out of the SSW at 10 to 20 MPH.  Extra Doodle Dog walks today!  Maybe a fire in the old firepit.  Currently we are enjoying our coffee, the New York Times Sunday paper and little Mozart on the stereo.  Not a bad way to spend a lovely Sunday morning.  Have a great day garden friends.  Be kind to yourself today.  Spring is coming!

Day:  32-degrees  /  Night:  26-degrees
It's still winter in the Carondelet Garden.  Despite my willing spring to arrive, it is not here yet.  So, we wait.  At least there is sunshine this morning, and coffee!  That will have to do for another day as we allow nature to do its thing for a few more weeks.

Sunshine and chilly today in Carondelet.  Winds out of the North at 10 to 15 MPH.  Today is the grand opening and ribbon cutting at the Doodle Dog's favorite hangout:  the Matted Doodle.  We will be heading down at 2:00 p.m. to celebrate.  She is the best groomer ever!  Check her out if you need a new pet groomer.  Be good to yourself today.  Kindness matters!  Have a great day gardening friends!

Day:  43-degrees   /  Night:  21-degrees
Back to the teens this morning.  Freezing Friday morning.  Even the Doodle Dog is happy to hang in front of the fireplace this morning.  Can you believe February is half-way over?  Where did it go?  My dad used to tell me that the older you get the faster time flies.  Now I'm the old guy and time is flying faster than ever!  It's that weird feeling that something happened so long ago but you remember it like it happened yesterday.

We should see a bit of a warmup in the Carondelet Garden this afternoon.  Sunny skies with the winds out of the SW at 10 to 15 MPH.  Be careful out there this morning.  It's still a bit icy and nasty but the thaw is coming!  Happy Friday gardening friends.  Be kind to yourself and those who may cross your path today.  

Day:  37-degrees  /  Night:  10-degrees
A Winter Weather Advisory just went into effect here in the Carondelet neighborhood.  I'm very glad I took my Buddha picture yesterday.  It's going to be a crazy mixed-precipitation kind of day here in the garden.  We've had rain all night and it's going to run through the gambit of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow over the next few hours.  

It's time for coffee, newspapers, a little Haydn on the stereo, and let the day happen.  Be kind to yourself and everyone else today.  Take it a little slower.  Give yourself a break and practice patience, I'm afraid it may be necessary this afternoon.  Have a great day gardening friends!

Day:  62-degrees  /  Night:  36-degrees
Warm this morning in the Carondelet Garden.  Almost feels like early spring, that is until you look at the future forecast.  Winter is still here, and we should see some of that tomorrow but today is really lovely if a bit windy.  The wind has blown the old bird feeder around and it seems there is more seed on the ground than in the feeder.  But then again, the squirrels have also been helping themselves as of late.  They have become quite big recently!

It's cloudy out there and we should see some showers around this afternoon.  The winds are from the South at 15 to 25 MPH.  The winds can be a bit gusty.  So, watch out for flying debris!  It's the perfect morning for a morning walk with the Doodle.  We will be heading out the door very soon.  She is so ready!  Be kind to yourself today.  It may be a hectic day for a lot of people, but a smile goes a long way.  Have a great day gardening friends!

Day:  61-degrees  /  Night:  48-degrees
Buried beneath that bunch of straw we are trying to over-winter Calla Lillies.  We shall see how this goes.  As with much of the garden, things have little life right now but it's coming.  The sunshine has me itching to do something in the garden, so I tried to turn some of the winter cover crops yesterday but the ground in the raised beds is still quite frozen.  The side beds were a bit better.  Some progress was made but not as much as I hoped.  Today is a new day and with a high in the low 60s maybe today is the day!  Hope springs eternal!

Sunny skies abound around our Carondelet neighborhood this sunny Tuesday morn.  Winds out of the SSE at 10 to 20 MPH.  Have a great day gardening friends!  Enjoy the sunshine and the spring-like temperatures.  Get outside and say hello to your neighbor.  Be kind to yourself.  You deserve it.  

Day  47-degrees  /  Night:  26-degrees
There is a bit of frost in the air around the Carondelet Garden this beautiful sunny morning.  The calendar tells me it's Valentine's Day.  You may wonder what this pile of wood has to do with that?  Well, not much really.  I'm not the most romantic person.  I love deeply, just don't go in for the Hallmark Holiday greetings.  I would rather show the person who has been by my side for 40 years I love her every day than save it all for just one day a year.  Coffee is made and served every morning.  A warm fire when it's cold outside.  A glass of wine (or two) after a hard day.  We show we love with the little things we do every day.  I guess what I'm trying to say is this:  if today turns out to be a bust, if it doesn't live up to your expectations or maybe you think you are alone; remember the little things people around you do every day.  We all show our love in different and unique ways.  You are loved more than you know!

It's a beautiful day.  Warming has begun already.  Sunshine and fair skies abound around the garden.  Maybe we will have a big fire this afternoon.   The winds should be calm out of the WSW at 5 to 10 MPH.  Be kind to yourself and those around you today.  Let someone know you love them today and if absolutely necessary, use words!  

Day:  35-degrees  /  Night:  18-degrees
Mostly cloudy skies around the Carondelet Garden this morning.  We might get a little clearing this afternoon.  Winds out of the SW shifting to the NNW later at 10-to 20 MPH.

Our cousin is a gifted artist when it comes to creating paver stones like this one.  A lovely accent in our garden reflecting our interest in music and, of course, wine!   We've had it many years and it is holding up beautifully.  

It's Super Bowl Sunday.  But alas, we will not be watching.  As true Saint Louisans, we just can't.  You know why.  Today is Souper Bowl Sunday and that will be even better.  Hearty Soup, good wine and tonight is our weekly PBS fest of "Around the World in 80 Days," followed by "All Creatures Great and Small," and ending with the delicious "Vienna Blood."  It is the best night of television.  However you plan to spend your Sunday, enjoy yourself.  Relax and unwind and just be.  Happy Sunday Gardening friends!

Day:  28-degrees  /  Night:  15-degrees
It is chilly in Carondelet this morning.  There are a bunch of snow flurries flitting about in the air.  Nothing to get excited about but it's still fun to look at.  The Doodle loves this weather since she still has her longer winter coat.  

The sun should come out in a bit with bright sunshine but it sure won't make things any warmer.  It's going to be much colder than the past few days.  The winds are out of the Northwest at 10 to 20 MPH.  Maybe sit back down and enjoy another cup of coffee and read the paper kind of morning.  Be kind to yourself this bright and colder morning.  You made it to the weekend.  Celebrate!  Have a great day gardening friends.  Spring is just around the corner!

Day:  51-degrees  /  Night:  17-degrees
It's cloudy in Carondelet this morning.  A bit gloomy as the rain begins to move into the area.  The snow has mostly melted, and things are looking sad.  Yet, look closely at the picture and you can see it.  Those tiny touches of green poking through.  Even though things look a bit dead and tired.  Life comes poking through.  Hope lies beneath the gloom.  It's going to be rainy and cloudy today, but we know that the clouds and rain bring spring flowers and summer vegetables and new life soon.  I'm learning patience.  Gardening helps me learn.

It's supposed to rain pretty much all morning and into the afternoon. Winds will be out of the West at 10 to 15 MPH.  It's time for another cup of coffee.  The newspapers are here and there are crossword puzzles to do.  It will be the perfect day to read and reflect and hope.  The dark skies will soon part and sunshine will return.  Gloom will be replaced by hope and love if we keep a little faith.  Be kind to yourself my gardening friends!

Day:  55-degrees  /  Night:  36-degrees
Thursdays always seem to be Happy Hour Days around the Carondelet Garden.  Today we will definitely be popping a bottle of vino and enjoying a White House History Association Happy Hour.  If you've never watched, they are a lot of fun.  Just Google them.  You won't be disappointed.  Especially if you are an old history nerd like us!

We are having another sunny, mild February day today.  The sun is shining, and the snow is disappearing.  Our little Doodle dog is very happy to be returning to longer walks.  Take a minute to check out the wonders around you.  Be kind to yourself.  Maybe open a bottle of wine this evening and toast yourself!  You are doing the best you can and that's all anyone can ask.  The coffee is calling me, and the blue bag is waiting.  It's Thursday and we know the crossword will tough today!  

Day:  50-degrees  /  Night:  24-degrees
The Lilac is filled with buds just waiting for the ground to warm and spring to arrive and fill the entire area with that amazing aroma.  I am counting the days.

Today is a workday around here.  It's that time of year to get our financials in order and prepare the coming year and pay our due to the taxman.  I don't complain about taxes as much as I used to.  Taxes help pay for a lot of things I have taken for granted. For example, here in Carondelet, we have some amazing garbage collectors who work so hard to keep our dumpsters emptied.  The streets are cleaned once a month.  The alley and street are well lit, and they have recently fixed some of the potholes.  Could it be better?  Of course!  What couldn't be improved? Yet, we are still fortunate.  Sometimes we forget to look at the good things because the bad things can be so very bad.  If you can, look for a little good around you today.  Really look for it.  You'll find it.  It's there when we take the time to reflect a little.

Enjoy the sunshine today.  Another mild day around the garden with winds out of the West at 10 to 15 MPH.  Be kind to yourself, you deserve it!  Spring is just around the corner!

High:  53-degrees  /  Night:  31-degrees
The Winter Rye is looking a bit worse for the wear after the winter storm. Not really an issue since it will be turned over soon to become nutrients for this spring's vegetable garden.  It's almost balmy outside this morning compared to the past week or so.  The big melt is happening as we see some greenery peeking through the white blanket.

It's going to be a beautiful day with abundant sunshine and mild temperatures for this early February day.  The winds will be from the SSW at 5 to 10 MPH.  The Doodle is already giving me the look so I guess the second cup of coffee will have to wait until after her morning constitutional.  The sunshine gives us a bit of hope shining through the winter's darkness.  Be kind to yourself and those who may cross your path today.  Have a beautiful Tuesday!

Day:  37-degrees  /  Night:  25-degrees
The Doodle is still loving the snow as you can see from that smile on her face!  The snow is hanging on but the big melt has begun as the temperatures are beginning to rise once again.  I have to admit I'm ready to see it start to go.  The snow has become snirt and has outstayed its welcome.  Like fish and houseguests, anything longer than three days is too long!

The good news is the skies are sunny and the winds are light out of the northwest at 5 to 10 MPH.  It's going to be another lovely day here in Carondelet.  Can you believe it's the second week of February already!  Spring will be here before we know it!  Cannot wait!  Have a great day Garden friends.  Be kind to yourself today.  Take things a little slower and try to enjoy the small things.  Time for another cup of coffee.  

Day:  42-degrees  /  Night:  16-degrees
The Doodle is on patrol.  The fireplace is roaring.  Even with these temperatures we usually crack a window just for the fresh air and to balance the heat.  The Doodle loves it.  She loves watching the folks walking down the street, but mostly she's waiting for her best friends:  the UPS driver and our mail carrier.  She waits for each of them every day.  

It seems the warmup is beginning.  Today should top out in the low 40s with abundant sunshine and just few clouds hanging around this afternoon.  Winds out of the South at 5 to 10 MPH.  We'll be out an about walking the neighborhood this afternoon.  It's going to be a beautiful day.  Waiting for the Blue Bag Brigade to arrive but the coffee is made.  The Doodle is napping in mama's chair.  Life is good.  Have a great day our gardening friends.  Spring is just around the corner.  Be kind to yourself today and every day.  It's a good day to have a good day!

Day:   29-degrees  /  Night:  17-degrees
Woke up to single digits this morning.  Even the Doodle went out and came right back in after doing her Doodle Doo.  Smart puppers!  It's simply beautiful here in the Carondelet Garden.  With the plentiful sunshine we are expecting throughout the day we should see a bit more progress in the melting department.  The sidewalks are already showing major improvements after all of the shoveling these past few days.

We are expecting sunny skies with winds from the SSE at 5 to 10 MPH.  Venturing out today.  Might hit the opening of the Summit Marketplace at the Kirkwood Farmer's Market.  How about you?  Any plans this beautiful weekend?  If you are heading out, be careful.  Take care of yourself and be kind to everyone you meet.  It's been a rough week for everyone.  Smile behind the mask.  Your eyes show the truth.  Have a great day our gardening friends!

Day:  30-degrees  /  Night:  3-degrees
After shoveling the sidewalk twice, it is still quite snow-covered.  About 7 inches total here in snowy Carondelet.  Yet, the sun is shining, and everything is truly beautiful!  It's a bit chilly out there this morning but it is going to warm up a bit.

We can expect partly cloudy skies with winds out of the WNW at 5 to 10 MPH.  Still a bit sore after all of that snow removal yesterday but we'll be back at it this morning.  Here's hoping you are all safe and warm.  Take your time today.  Enjoy this beautiful time of year.  Be kind to yourself and to those around you.  Spread a little love while you're spreading a little deicer this morning.  It's time for my second cup of coffee.